Idol Headlines for 03/06/12 – The Evening Edition

‘X Factor’s’ Melanie Amaro Working With Tricky Stewart, ‘Surprise’ Writers – “X Factor” winner Melanie Amaro has completed four or five songs for her debut album, a mixture of ballads and upbeat pop songs. “Before ‘X Factor,’ I wasn’t recording, just singing in church and at small events. So being in the studio is a brand new world for me,” Amaro told Billboard.com about her Syco/Epic release. Amaro has been working with “X Factor” judge and Epic Records chairman Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Epic A&R chief C. “Tricky” Stewart, who has produced several of the tracks. Amaro would not divulge the names of songwriters who contributed material — she does not write — saying only “I want to keep it a surprise.” Not surprising, though, is that she is recording material from established songwriters. – Read more at Billboard.com

Fantasia Barrino’s Baby Daddy Regrets Split With Wife, Still Pursuing Her & Cheating – Fantasia Barrino just had a baby with boyfriend Antwaun Cook, but RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned the father is having second thoughts and is actively pursuing his estranged wife, Paula Cook. According to a family insider, Antwaun regrets giving up on Paula and their two children and while Paula is very hurt by what he did to their family, she’s not exactly staying away from him either. Paula and Antwaun both ended up at Club RE:Public in Charlotte over the weekend and things got a little cozy between the two,” the source said. – Read more at RadarOnline

EXCLUSIVE: Stefano Langone Learns Spanish on Latina.com! – Stefano Langone is going to be learning Español on Latina.com! Over the next few weeks, the half-Mexican American Idol alum will be using Rosetta Stone to become fluent in the mother tongue, and he’ll be documenting his journey—on video—exclusively for Latina.com readers! Click play on the video below to hear Stefano kick off his video blog! – See the video at Latina.com

Photo Flash: Theatre Memphis Presents CHICAGO – Theatre Memphis will open Broadway’s longest running American musical, Chicago, on the Lohrey Stage March 9, 2012, to run through April 1, 2012. Alexis Grace, (center left) as Roxie Hart and Rob Hanford (center right) as Billy Flynn in the Theatre Memphis production of Chicago, March 9 – April 1, 2012. They are surrounded by the company chorus. – See the Photos at Broadway World

Danny Gokey Eyewear Photo-shoot –

Danny Gokey Eyewear is being released and here is a trailor capturing moments of the Photo-shoot.

Music Empowers Foundation Launches Spring Fundraiser – Kris Allen, Steven Van Zandt, And Others Join Cause – NEW YORK, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The Music Empowers Foundation announced today the launch of its latest online fundraiser, “Music Matters.” With a goal of raising $50,000, Music Empowers hopes to continue its mission of helping to bring innovative music education programs to children in underserved communities across the country. The fundraiser kicked off March 1 and will run throughout Music in our Schools Month, ending at midnight on March 31. The Foundation also announced as a special incentive for early donors, the first 200 people to donate $50 or more would receive a special DonorsChoose.org gift card from Music Empowers and Kris Allen. – Read more at Market Watch

Persian Woman Settles Lawsuit Against ‘Shahs of Sunset’ – A Persian woman who filed a lawsuit, claiming she was forced against her will to play the role of a bad girl on the new show “Shahs of Sunset” has settled her beef — but we’ve learned she’s walking away with a big fat nothing. Sources connected with the dispute tell TMZ … under the terms of the confidential settlement, producers have agreed to cut Kathy Salem out of the premiere episode of the Ryan Seacrest-produced show, which airs Sunday on Bravo. – Read more at TMZ

Steven Tyler talks First Aerosmith Single

Steven Tyler told reporter on the Top 13 after-party red carpet that Aerosmith will be contributing a new song to the GI Joe Soundtrack, titled “Legendary Child”. This song will also be the first single from their new album, and the band looks to premiere it on Idol Finale in May. Via AeroFANatic

Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted.I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!

Melanie Amaro working with Tricky Stewart sounds good . he has been successful working with Rihanna, Beyonce , Mariah Carey and others. her dance version of Respect is climbing the Dance/Club charts and is #20 and climbing . last week

larc

I hope Fantasia is smart enough to have learned her lesson, but news at some point in the future that she’s pregnant again by that jerk Antwaun Cook wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Anonymous

Those print stills for Danny’s eyeglass line look very good.The roll out should be soon.

Anonymous

Cook’s pre-idol hair is giving me season 7 flashbacks! He’s such a great guy and I’m always impressed by how much money his fans manage to raise for these events. I never knew the story behind “We Believe”. Now I really wish they had released it. It’s my favorite song on his recent album.

Anonymous

I didn’t watch during Fantasia’s season so I don’t really know much about her, but that story makes me very sad, especially for the baby. You can’t trust a cheater. She needs to move on with her life without him.

Anonymous

I think this deal waited too long. Unless Danny is bigger in country music than I thought, having him as a spokes person won’t do a lot. I can ask 10 people who won Idol season 8. I am not sure even one would know, much less remember who Danny is. I wish him luck though. Danny has talent.

Anonymous

I just read that entire article. I find it interesting that Simon seems to want to take the time to put out a solid album and then promote it during season two. I think for a show like Xfactor that doesn’t build up the fan base like Idol does, that this is potentially an excellent strategy. I’m curious to see how it works.

Anonymous

Since Danny helped design the line I think it is good publicity for him. Plus when you go to by glasses its more what they look like than the name, unless your name is Prada, lol.

And i agree Danny does have talent :)

steph6449

Ymmv, but whether they like him or not, Danny is often seen as a memorable AI finalist, whether due to the backstory, his singing (all the good stuff, or Dream On, lol), the glasses, etc. Based to a fair degree on his AI name recognition, he’s had a reasonably decent post-AI appearance fee that he’s been able to charge for his concerts and private gigs. There were snippets on AI last year that showed Danny at a couple of different points during the season, and this year his name has been circulated a fair amount online due both to his wedding news, and the similarities some perceived with Adam Brock.

That said, I have no idea how the eyewear line is likely to do. Remains to be seen what sort of marketing it gets but he’s been excited anyway to have the chance to do it and have at least some input on the styles.

I thought it was funny in the video credits for the eyewear that Danny’s wife got a credit for wardrobe. Though on the odd occasion, err, that has been an area where Danny could use a little help :)

Steph, I think they are marketing these glasses for young men 18 to 35. Did anyone else notice that Danny wasn’t wearing his wedding ring at the photo shoot? At least his wife was fully aware of the “style” they are promoting– young, handsome, available men?

sf3456

Whoa. Cook’s hair…

Anonymous

I often wonder if David Cook really had time to mourn for his brother. I mean getting over a loss like that is difficult and he was on the road during that time. I didn’t listen to the interview, but looking at him, he seems to be in a bit of a slump. I”ve been supportive of Cook’s career: went to his Foxwood concert, bought his first CD. Maybe mega-success isn’t what he’s looking for now. I’d prefer him happy and making music he wants to make, rather than trying to meet others’ expectations and be miserable. Or maybe I’m overthinking things. I have a soft spot in my heart for the guy. I wish him well.

I didn’t listen to the interview, but looking at him, he seems to be in a bit of a slump.

You should listen to the interview. He seems to be at peace with himself much more than he was over the past two years, and I think a big part of that is being able to do these charity events, participating in them personally, and making a difference. He basically says it gives him purpose. I don’t think he has given up on being a “mega-success” — whatever that might be — but that he’s defining that success differently than how it’s usually defined. He reiterated something he said at the very beginning of his reign as the American Idol: I don’t know how long this is going to last, so I’m going to make the most of it to do these things that mean the most to me while I have the means to do so.

However, if you’re just talking about posture, I’ll have to review the videotape. ;-)

Not that familiar with Fantasia as I didn’t watch Idol in the early years. Does seem that her love life needs an overhaul. I think both these women should show this guy the door permanently. Appears he doesn’t really care about anyone but himself. Time these gals wised up. There are good men out there.

Anonymous

Melanie is so pretty. :)

Anonymous

This Persian show seems akin to many reality shows and reminds me of Jersey Shore.

P. Diddy said on twitter he would sign Jesse Campbell and Anthony Evans now if they accept to be a duo.

@iamdiddy Yo these 2 boys are singing their asses off! If u ever wanna sign a record deal, I’d sign u in a heartbeat AS A GROUP!>

happyhexer

Actually, most ordinary people I meet in real life (folks who don’t post on AI blogs on the Internet, etc.) still remember Danny fondly, including one of my bosses. They may be fuzzy about what he’s doing now (in fact, that’s usually the first question I get from casual fans who haven’t kept up with him), but they generally have a positive association with the name. And they definitely remember that he wore glasses. The only time I encountered someone who didn’t like Danny was an Adam fan who, ironically and unbeknownst to her, was vacationing on the ship that hosted the Second Annual Danny Gokey Cruise to Benefit Sophia’s Heart.

Could the timing of the eyewear rollout have been better? Perhaps.

But in looking at other product endorsement deals, it seems like it is more important for there to be an association in the mind of the public of the person with the product, moreso than that the person must objectively be a big celebrity.

Anonymous

People mourn in different ways. David Cook is fortunate to be able to honor his brother in many ways. Adam was able to see his brother win American Idol and “Permanent” was a tribute to his brother. David has also been able to raise a lot of money for brain cancer on Adam’s behalf. Mourning the loss of a loved one doesn’t have to be sad, it can be positive, a celebration of that person’s life and a dedication to help so that other people never have to suffer from the cancer that took his brother.

Carson Daly’s review of the last episode. He’s being sincere about everything, especially the fact that Blake only picked RaeLynn because she would be better on the live shows.

It’s ironic that on a show called The Voice that someone was picked because they would make the better reality show contestant. There’s nothing wrong with that, but the people at the Voice have to stop acting like only American Idol does this.

At least they didn’t pull an X Factor and try to alter either of the women’s voices, to try and make Raelynn sound better.

Anonymous

Yes, xheyheyo, I am aware that people cope and mourn in different ways. I realize that his brother past some time ago, but there had been so much going on in David’s life at the time. Amazing highs and lows. It was merely an observation based on his appearance, seeming to have let himself go a bit. I am sure during his hiatus and songwriting for his album, he was able to take time to reflect and find closure. I think of the ones I’ve lost everyday and,yes, it does get easier. His involvement with ABCsquared is a wonderful tribute to hs brother. Permanent is one of my favorite songs on his CD and I had also purchased it on iTunes for ABCsquared. Even though I am not a visible fan on boards, I have been a longtime fan of DC’s. It was not a put down, merely, as I stated, an observation. And, to sassycatz, I meant his appearance. I think if cook’s cd had met with better success, we would be seeing a different David right now. The hair is just not good at all. Jmho

You should really listen to the interview – I don’t think Cookie’s in a slump. He’s busy writing with people he really likes, and promoting a charity he really cares about. He’s got 4 concerts coming up – he reeled off the dates in the interview like he’s really looking forward to them. Including opening for Bon Jovi! I can’t imagine running a MARATHON – I am so proud, being his fan. I think his beautiful soul shows through. I just think he doesn’t give a crap about his hair.

iani

Great DC-interview, he’s fine, healthy and in good spirits, it’s all that matters to me right now. I’ve missed DC’s “Happy Together” look, nice to see it back and bring along some nice memories with it. Maybe not the best look for him but I don’t think it has something to do with the mourning of his brother. I’ve always thought that look was David’s happiest part of AI before the Top 9. Till then he was relaxed, cheerful on stage, connected with the camera and “eye-contact” with the viewers… After Top 9 and the new haircut, he really was more into the show and to do his best, tired, maybe he felt more of the heaviness of the competition, less cheerful and lately more introverted; I’ve felt like he got suddenly “older” after the night of new-looking guy. Hope this “old look” brings him more confidence of who he is as an artist and a person, happiness and easy feelings.

It was not a put down, merely, as I stated, an observation. And, to sassycatz, I meant his appearance. I think if cook’s cd had met with better success, we would be seeing a different David right now. The hair is just not good at all. Jmho

Have you been following him over the past year during his album release and during the tour? He has never been in better shape. Seen him in person and his body is solid. Really. The way he was sitting in that chair is deceptive, especially since he’s been training the best part of the year for a marathon and there’s a whole segment of his DVD accompanying his CD about his workout routine.

As for his hair, he also said quite explicitly last year that he was growing it out for the last time and it got lengthier and lengthier all through the promo and tour. It actually looked quite nice on the tour, to be honest. And you must have seen the following video about the hair, it was all a part of the promo for his album:

The initial discussion about growing his hair on VH1, during the beginning of his promo of The Last Goodbye and the whole, long follow thru, ending “dramatically” on VH1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e29jYFoAHwA

The point is, he isn’t letting himself go. It was purposeful. He appears to love long hair and probably wishes he had more of it. I’m sure if he did, he’d have his hair long all the time. And lastly, he used this whole growing the hair thing to help promote his album — which is the exact opposite of what you are saying.

Just look at David’s face at the 9:05-06 mark. Heh. Does that look like a guy who was so checked out of his own life that he didn’t care about his hair length? LOL!

Anonymous

I don’t think David Cook looks bad with that hair style, although it does look like a very young style. I think it would look better on someone 10 years younger than him. He looks better with short hair.

Tess

Some psychologist suggested that people tend to revert to hairstyles, as they get older, that places them back into the time frame of their lives where they were the most happy…irregardless of whether the hairstyle is flattering, or currently popular, or a trend. That’s why we have lots of women over 30 who wear their hair just like they did when they twirled those batons or waved those pompoms.

For whatever reason David just seems to be comfortable with his side swept overly long bangs that kind of droop. His Idol year must have been a happy and fulfilling time for him.

I also saw him in concert this past Fall – Believe me, he looked great. And he and his band rocked out as hard as ever. so cool that he’s continuing to work on new music. And we have that Bon Jovi opener to look forward too!

Anonymous

Lol. I am happy to hear David is fine. Thanks for the update as I am not as tapped into the Cook fandom as others appear to be.

Anonymous

LOL I am a DC fan and must not be that tapped in either. I’ve learned a lot just from this thread.

DC and Bon Jovi in concert? Together? WOW! My dreams eventually do happen!!